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Burlingame planning commission denies contested second-story addition at 19 El Quanito Way
Summary
The Burlingame Planning Commission on Nov. 12 denied a proposed second-story addition at 19 El Quanito Way, finding the project would block a protected interior living-area view. Neighbors and several commissioners who visited the adjacent home said the view to the bay is significant; the motion to deny carried in a roll-call vote.
The Burlingame Planning Commission on Nov. 12 denied a design-review application for a second-story addition at 19 El Quanito Way after commissioners concluded the addition would block a protected view from an adjacent home.
Project designer Tim Rin told the commission the narrow “slice” of view at issue was not a natural view and argued a second story was reasonable. Neighbors and the owner of the adjacent property at 15 El Quanito Way, who spoke during public comment, said the addition would obstruct an important bay view enjoyed from primary indoor living spaces. Angel, a nearby resident who testified she represents the owner at 19’s neighbor parcel, urged the commission to decide so the family could move forward: “we really hope that we can reach a decision today so that we can move forward with our project,” she said.
Several commissioners reported visiting the interior of the neighboring home and said that firsthand inspection changed their assessment. Commissioner Say said a site visit showed the window and interior plan were clearly oriented to the bay: “I would describe the neighbor’s home as being open … I do actually find that view important,” the commissioner said. Other commissioners said they had suggested one-story alternatives in prior hearings and expressed disappointment that a one-story or alternate plan had not been developed for review.
After discussion the commission moved to deny the application as submitted, citing blocking of protected views under the city’s hillside/view-preservation provisions. The motion to deny carried in a roll-call vote.
What happens next: The commission’s action may be appealed to the Burlingame City Council within 10 days in writing with the required appeal fee, per the appeal instructions read into the record.
Why it matters: The decision underscores how Burlingame’s hillside overlay and view-preservation rules can limit additions on uphill parcels when commissioners determine an addition would substantially obstruct views from primary indoor living areas. The commission emphasized it will continue to consider one-story alternatives and encouraged applicants to return with plans showing efforts to avoid blocking neighboring protected views.
